Moldovan authorities still want Russian troops' withdrawal from Transdniestria, disposal of expired Soviet ammunition

CHISINAU. Sept 2 (Interfax) – Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Vladislav Kulminski has spoken in favor of seeking political solutions for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transdniestria and the disposal of expired ammunition.

"Moldova’s position on this issue has never changed and was consistent. The Republic of Moldova has the status of a neutral state, and this neutrality must be fully ensured. This topic is related to both bilateral and multilateral relations, we need to work in several areas. We should look for political solutions at the multilateral level in order to resolve this problem. The process can only be ensured by a political and peaceful approach," Kulminski said on the Publika TV channel on Thursday.

He noted that Chisinau’s stance on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transdniestria remains unchanged. As for the disposal of ammunition in the depots in the village of Cobasna on the left bank of the Dniester River, Kulminski said that this process should take place under international control.

These issues were discussed during the visit to Chisinau by Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Executive Office Dmitry Kozak, who reaffirmed Moscow’s willingness to participate in this process, the deputy prime minister said. "It cannot be said that this or that topic was discussed in detail, because his visit was brief. In principle, nothing new was said, and preparations for work on this topic were announced. About 20,000 tonnes of ammunition are stored in Cobasna, of which 10,000 tonnes have expired. They are dangerous for everyone. This is not a matter of geopolitics, but of physical security," Kulminski said.